More Scots Into Higher Education

Almost 25,000 people have been given university or college places, up by 3% compared with last year's exam results day.

As of midnight, 24,800 Scottish applicants had been accepted into higher education through Ucas, the organisation which processes applications, up by 800 on the 2014 figure.

A total of 24,000 of these have been placed at a Scottish university or college.

Most of the increase came from older applicants, with an extra 600 accepted Scottish applicants aged 20 and over, up 7% this year, Ucas said.

The number of Scottish applicants aged 18 is almost the same as last year, at 12,180.

Overall recruitment to universities and colleges in Scotland totals 30,280, up 1%, while acceptances from the European Union (EU) have decreased by 10% to 3,130.

More Scottish applicants will be placed over the coming weeks.

Mary Curnock Cook, chief executive at Ucas, said: "Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place at their chosen university or college in Scotland.

"If you haven't achieved exactly what you were expecting, stay positive and remember that the best way to succeed is to prepare thoroughly before calling universities for a discussion about the courses you're interested in.

"The Ucas website has lots of information to help you and as you'll be spending several years studying, be sure you opt for a course that really excites you."

Universities Scotland director Alastair Sim said: "We are delighted to see such high levels of achievement from pupils across Scotland in their Higher results and to see the number of Scots accepted into our universities increase again this year.

"Pupils, teachers and parents can all take pride in this strong performance in what is a great day for Scottish education.

"For those whose exam results are not what they expected, whether because they missed out on grades or did better than expected, there is still the possibility of entry to university this year through clearing. Clearing is open for Scots from 10am today."